NEWS   

5th February 2010

Award winners

      
        2009

Award Winners     ........................ left to right .....


Bandperson of the year..................            Andrew Payne
MD Player of the year.....................            Liz Payne
Bandmasters player of the year ......           Dave Broomfield
Training band player of the year......           Sam White
MD Player of the year Runner Up....           Mandy Lewry 

10TH JANUARY 2010

HAITI APPEAL CONCERT

The band took part in a charity concet at St Peters Church and along with local primary schools children raised an amazing total of just under £4000 

January 2010

The year has started, as usual , with the band's AGM where all officers of the band were re-elected to stand for 2010, and all committee members were elected. The one  change is that Gilly Taylor has accepted the position of Musical Director and is no longer the acting MD. The band have a good number of plans for this year and will be posting all details of events and goings-on here on the website SO KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR NEWS OF THESE EVENTS !!!! 

20th DECEMBER 2009

Our end of year Christmas Finale. This ever popular event was our thank you social evening to friends of the band and supporters of Tiverton Rugby Club. The evening consisted of carol singing and festive music which was enjoyed by all. The evening was also a chance for the children to sing 'Away in a manger' before the rugby club choir gave their annual rendition of 'The First Nowell'. The band were thanked for the evenings entertainment and Gilly, Graham and the Rugby Club were thanked by the band,  and everyone left the event looking forward to next year with anticipation       

19th DECEMBER 2009

 Check out our 'SPECIAL REPORT ' for news of an
            exciting event on Saturday evening. 

19th DECEMBER 2009

Another playout at Exeter Airport to  entertain holiday makers jetting of to ski resorts. With half a dozen flights leaving the airport a steady stream of people passed through check in and past where the band was playing. They are pleased to be sending off a cheque for Macmillan Nurses as the airports charity for 2009.  

17th / 18th DECEMBER 2009

Two nights of carolling at Morrisons and Tesco's in Tiverton raised much needed funds for the band and thanks go to those who played in sub zero temperatures.

14th DECEMBER 2009

The band were asked again to play at the Globe Inn at Sampford Peverell, a gig that is becoming an annual event. Diners and drinkers were treated to some festive music and light hearted humour from the band. After refreshments the band were asked back again next year.    

13th DECEMBER 2009

WITHERIDGE CHURCH CAROL SERVICE

A full church joined with the band for what has become a highlight of the village calendar. This was the 10th year the band had been playing at this service and now it is standing room only. Joined by the village Music Group a programme of carols , readings and music was enjoyed by everyone and refreshments were laid on for all to enjoy after the service.     

13th DECEMBER 2009

The band played at Tiverton Salvation Army Hall for the annual carol service.The corp timbrel group also performed and were delighted that although they had rehearsed to a recording the band were able to play the march Christmas Joy  live for their performance. Refreshments were served after and the audience left in a Christmas mood    

12th DECEMBER 2009

BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The bands Christmas concert was held at the New Hall in Tiverton , and playing to a large audience, who were treated to mulled wine and mince pies on their arrival,  a really  fun evening was had .  The band's  guests for the evening were once again Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud', under the leadership of Katy Baker. All the Christmas classics were included in the concert and there was even a visit from Santa. The evening finished with the choir singing with the band to  Slade's classic Merry Christmas Everybody, As an encore Katy Baker was brought on stage to conduct the band whilst bandmaster Graham Pillivant conducted the choir, with Father Christmas playing Trombone.   

12th DECEMBER 2009

EXETER AIRPORT

The band played at Exeter airport to entertain passengers awaiting flight departures. Staff members joined in with carols and Christmas songs and a collection was made for Macmillan Nurses             

6th DECEMBER 2009

HALBERTON CHURCH

An enjoyable afternoon was had by a large audience at Halberton church. They were entertained by the band, and some musical items by children from the village. The concert was to raise funds for Halberton Pre School. After the concert the audience were able to take refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies.    

5th DECEMBER 2009

TIVERTON TOWN CENTRE

A dry day at last for the band to play festive music in Tiverton Market . A large crowd enjoyed all the Christmas favourites and some traditional carols.  As the band were packing away , yes it started to rain.    

3rd DECEMBER 2009

TIVERTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Another wet playout for us but a large crowd had gathered for the Christmas lights switch on. We managed to avoid the rain by playing in the cinema entrance, the crowd  were entertained by the band and Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud'    

29th NOVEMBER 2009

ASHBURTON PORTREEVE'S PARADE

After the wet evening the previous day who would have thought there was any more rain to come. We arrived at Ashburton during a break in the rain but as soon as we started to march down it came. After some hot coffee it was time for the return march and it rained again. We have had a lot of use from our rain coats this year and it would be nice to think we might not need them so much next year        

28th NOVEMBER 2009

CULLOMPTON CHRISTMAS PARADE

The band had been asked to play in the centre of Cullompton for the Christmas lights Parade. When we arrived the town was suffering from a downpour and all the streets were like rivers flowing through the town centre. The band had been asked to play in the town to entertain the crowds before the actual parade passed by. With it raining so hard we thought we would have to abandon our part until it was suggested that we try and get a gazeebo or suchlike. With little time to erect a gazebo one of our loyal supporters was contacted to see if we could use one of his lorries to sit in and play. The Lamb Hill Garage vehicle delivery lorry was parked up, opened up and we set up inside, it was like a portable stage, a little cold but at least we were in the dry. Whilst the parade passed through the town centre the rain held off and a large crowd watched the majorettes and floats pass by . An interesting evening was had by all and were asked to make next years event bigger and better        

20th November 2009

CHILDREN IN NEED

A group of players recently travelled to Weymouth to present a cheque to the BBC Children In Need appeal , proceeds from their concert in October. The cheque was for £1521.00. 

7th November 2009

SWBBA CHAMPIONSHIPS TORQUAY

Today was a milestone in the bands history as we had decided to enter the SWBBA Championships for the very first time. With weeks of rehearsals in preperatioon for our Children in Need concert last weekend , the last week was dedicated to our test piece "Four Little Maids "by John Carr. Leaving Tiverton at 8.00am we all travelled to Torquay wondering what the day would hold, only 5 players had ever played at Torquay contest before. On arrival at the venue we were met by our Musical Director, Gilly Taylor who informed us that we had been drawn number 5 out of 8 bands. It was time to get some coffee and chat with family and friends before our turn came. We took to the stage and composed ourselves, the baton dropped and we were off  Surprisingly the nerves seemed to have  all held and we sailed through the movements with smiles on our faces and an even bigger one on our MD's. At the end of the performance everyone was smiling and really happy . Now we could relax and wait for the results. Mid afternoon saw the results and as we waited the 3rd ,2nd and 1st places were announced. We obviously didn't know where we had come until we received our adjudicators remarks.
We had been placed Fourth on the day, much to the delight of other bands and our own  supporters. We will take on board the adjudicators comments and build for what could be an interesting future.  

  4th Section (Four Little Maids)       Adjudicator- Barry Thompson 

1 Hatherleigh Silver                            David Hayward
2 Weymouth Concert Brass                Adam Glynn
3 Indian Queens Silver                        Kevin Ackford
4 Tiverton Town                                  Gilly Taylor 
5 Okehampton Excelsior Silver           Des Law
6 Totnes                                             Steve young 
7 Porthleven Town                              EFRalph
8 City of Exeter Railway                      Colin Dance

31st October 2009

CHILDREN IN NEED CONCERT TIVERTON

31st October 2009 saw the band perform their 25th and final concert  in aid of Children In Need. Compère for the evening was BBC's Philip Hunt, presenter of Sounds of Brass. Also taking part was the band's former Musical Director Andrew Harris. It was the bands current Musical Director Gilly Taylor who started the concert with Monty Pearces march "Invasion".  This was followed by a suite which the band will be playing at Torquay contest on 7th November, John Carrs "Four Little Maids". It was then time for the bands guests to take the stage and the audience welcomed Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud'  who sang songs from the film 'The Lion King '.
It was then the turn of Andrew Harris to take the band with a couple of numbers including 'Rock Around The Clock' and YMCA performed with the youth choir. A highlight of the first half was 'Sophia-andy' who performed the castanets feature Hernandos Hideaway. The second half opened with Kevin Ackfords 'Sounds of Brass' which impressed Philip Hunt as he could hear the piece played in full. The concert finished with a last night of the proms feel which had the audience and choir taking part in Jerusalem, Sea songs and Land of Hope And Glory.
A fantastic £1,500 was raised for the Children-in-Need charity which will be presented on Friday 20th November at the live event being broadcast from Weymouth.  This brings the total raised by the band, over 25 concerts, to a staggering £20,000.

27th SEPTEMBER 2009

WESTEXE PARK TIVERTON

After many weeks of unsettled weather at playouts it was nice to be greeted by glorious sunshine for our last two playouts. A large crowd had gathered at Westexe Park in Tiverton  and were treated to some fine playing by both the senior band and our training group.They were also entertained by our bandmasters humour between pieces. A fun afternoon was had and with teas and coffes being made available by the bowling club the crowd seemed to grow in size as the afternoon progressed.    

20th SEPTEMBER  2009

STOWFORD MEADOWS CARAVAN PARK

An enjoyable afternoon was spent in glorious sunshine at Stowford Meadows Caravan Park near Combe Martin. A large crowd gathered to watch the band as they performed two sets in the marquee. The programme consisted of lots of popular tunes which had the audience singing along and asking for more . Although a number of players were absent due to work and holidays the band were helped by friends from South Molton and Appledore bands.  
Organisers of the event thanked the band and booked them for the same event next year.

5th SEPTEMBER 2009

EXMOUTH FESTIVAL

A dry but chilly day welcomed twelve bands to the SWBBA annual festival. Bands from as far away as Hayle  in Cornwall and Uttoxeter in Staffordshire took part and played both inside and outside the venue.

 

The inside performances were judged by Capt David Barringer , MD of the British Army Brass Band. The winning performance was by Phoenix Brass from Crewkerne in Somerset .

Tiverton Town Band , whose programme included Aces High, Reflections in Nature, Nobody Does It Better,Old Rugged Cross, Grand Old Duke and Rock Around The Clock, were placed in eighth place therefore winning the Harris Cup for the highest placed  ungraded band. 



right ......principal cornet Tina Pillivant with the Harris Cup at Tiverton Rugby Club

30TH AUGUST  2009

BRIAN NEWITT

              We recently said cheerio to our 2nd Baritone player Brian, who has decided to retire from playing as the 75 mile round trip to band has taken its toll. He has been a member of the band for about 20 years and has brought experience to the band having served as bandmaster in both the RAF and the Salvation Army . We wish him and Hannah all the best in his retirement and hope he will follow us whenever his time allows.     

30th AUGUST 2009

BLENHEIM GARDENS, MINEHEAD

Cloudy but dry was the weather for the morning performance at Blenheim Gardens in Minehead. A large crowd enjoyed the programme which included Aces High, Nobbody Does It Better, Grand Old Duke and Rock Around the Clock. The afternoon performance was enjoyed by a large crowd ,probably as it was after Butlin's meal time.Organised by Super-act this was the final concert in the summer series and Director of Super-act, Paul Smith was on hand to thank all the sponsors and bands for taking part.   

29th AUGUST 2009

TOPSHAM CARNIVAL

A bright sunny evening welcomed eveyone to Topsham for the carnival procession as part of Topsham Fayre week. A large crowd were treated to some amazing floats and the usual band's and majourette troupes.   

23rd AUGUST 2009

ILFRACOMBE GARDENS

At last a dry engagement. A large audience were treated to some well known tunes and some witty banter by our MD Gilly Taylor. With a full band some fine playing was heard and the audience grew in size as the afternoon went on. Aces High set the mood and was followed by Reflections in Nature. Then it was the turn of our bandmaster Graham to play 'Nobody Does It Better'. Daydream Beleiver ,Tea for Two, and the Grand old Duke completed the first half. The second half opened with the march D&C , written for the band of the Devon And Cornwall Constabluary by their late MD Keith Whittle, Cornfield Rock, and Rock Around The Clock were included and left the audience asking for more.           

9th AUGUST 2009

BLAKE GARDENS , BRIDGEWATER

A large crowd enjoyed the bands performance at Blake Gardedns in Bridgewater on a really hot and sunny Sunday afternoon. Despite some technical hitches with the P.A system the concert ran along smoothly . With holidays coinciding with the playout the band were helped by a couple of friends from South Molton Band and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all .   

1st AUGUST 2009

BOVEY TRACEY CARNIVAL

The weather was great for Bovey Tracey carnival, after all the rain we have had it was nice to not have to worry about wearing wet weather gear. A large crowd enjoyed the procession and along with the band there were some highly decorated floats. Organiseres said that it was unknown to have a wet carnival so look forward to next year     

26th JULY 2009

WESTEXE PARK - TIVERTON

Well, after all these weeks of getting through the showers and completeing our performances,the weather finally beat us after an hour at Westexe Park in Tiverton. A larger than expected audience had turned out to see us and after getting settled under the trees it only left the bandstand free for the band. Also performing were the training band who played a couple of numbers during the programme.  The music that was played was appreciated by the audience and some were upset that we abandoned the concert , especially as players , music and instruments were getting soaked . After talking to other bands  since it seems it was county wide and not just Tiverton that suffered.

19th July 2009

HISTORIC VEHICLE - COASTAL RUN

The band travelled to Teignmouth and Bovey Tracey  for the Historic Vehicle Society  annual Coastal Run. With over 300 vehicles taking part the weather could have been better . The band managed to find a tree big enough to sit under top avoid the drizzling rain and entertained a large crowd who were also sheltering from the rain for most of the afternoon . Organisers wre pleased with the attendance and booked the band for next years event

18th July 2009

ASHBURTON ALE FESTIVAL

Today the band played at the Ancient Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony In Ashburton. Despite unsettled weather it remained dry ,and at one point hot enough to remove coats , throughout the event . With themed music everyone got into the spirit of things and the event was enjoyed by the participants as well as the large crowd    

11th July 2009

COMMUNITY CENTRE 10th BIRTHDAY 

The band played at the Sunningbrook Community Centres 10th Birthday Fete.
Despite the inclement weather a large crowd was able to watch a variety of local organisations, performing throughout the afternoon. The band entertained the crowd before the event was officially opened by Tivertons Mayor, and the band played after . Also performing were wilcombe school choir, Tiverton Town Majorrettes , a comedian and Tiverton youth choir Sing Aloud. The event was enjoyed by all and organisers were already talking about the next 10 years.   

6th  July 2009

COURTNEY PARK CONCERT

On Sunday the band travelled to Newton Abbot for a concert in Courtney Park. Although the weather wasn't as good as Saturday there was a large audience who braved the high winds and intermittent showers to enjoy a full and varied programme.    

 5th July 2009

HOLCOMBE ROGUS FETE

The band have had a busy weekend, playing, on Saturday in the glorious sunshine, in the grounds of Holcombe Court for the village fete. The excellent weather brought the crowds in and the tea room next to the band was exceptionally busy. Organisers say it was probably the largest crowd they have ever had at the fete.

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2ND JULY 2009

CULLOMPTON FESTIVAL

The band played at the Cullompton Festival concert recently. Assisted by the training band.
Although there was a small audience , due to technical difficulties at the school, those that were there were treated to some very good playing by both bands. Most of the programme
was made up of popular tunes that were enjoyed by the audience and Organisers hoped the band would be able to play again next year. Theyalso hoped that an open air concert in one of the large gardens in Cullompton could be arranged in aid of Cullompton Festival 2010.

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24th June 2009

WHIT FRIDAY TURNS INTO WET FRIDAY

      The band recently travelled to Manchester for the Whit Friday march contests. After all the fantastic weather we had been having who would have thought how the day was going to turn out. We held a short rehearsal in the hotel car park before adjourning to the local pub for lunch, sat in shorts and t-shirts the gardens gave us all a time to relax and look forward to an enjoyable evening .
      Back to the hotel to change and board the bus ,we then set off to Saddleworth. Whilst driving along the motorway a few raindrops appeared on                      TTB at Uppermill contest 
the windscreen but nothing much.                      (note the conductors wet jacket)
We arrived at our first contest venue to
black clouds and strong winds. It was then our turn to march up the street to the contest stage, albeit a fenced off area in the middle of a field.Just as we were about to start our testpiece the thunder and lightning started, but still no rain . As we  left the field it started to drizzle. At the second venue it was worse . Our runner had booked us in and as we waited to march up the street the heavens opened . We carried on and got rather wet but as soon as we were back on the coach the heating soon kicked in and helped us along. 
      A number of such like venues followed , but we were enjoying it .At one stage we could honestly say we had beaten Black Dyke . It might only have that we played two positions before them but we had beaten them to the stage . To be able to say that we had played in the same arena as some of the worlds top bands was just a great feeling.

      With light fading very fast, due to the weather, there were concerns as to wether we would get in to enough venues, but we plodded on and did what we had to do. Our last venue was going to  be a difficult one as it was now pitch black. At 11.30 pm we played our last march and then it was on the bus for the 1 hr journey back to the hotel.
       An enjoyable time was had by all and we are already discussing next years visit. With a mixed bag of results we were pleased to come away with a position of 39th out of 151 bands. If the weather had been better other bands would have competed in more contests so at the moment we are pleased with this result   
  

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June 2009

WHIT FRIDAY MARCHES

      We are about to embark on a new adventure for the band, by taking part in the annual Whit Friday march contests, on Friday 5th June, at Saddleworth near Manchester. This will be the first time a lot of our players will have attended these contests, although some of our players have played with other bands in previous years.

      It will be a long and arduous task but the band are really looking forward to taking part in this world famous event . Results and a write up, including pictures, will be posted as soon as they become available on our return.
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